Believe in Him: Illuminating the Savior’s Life and Mission Through Stained Glass

A beautiful art book depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in stained glass.

In 2019, Tom and Gayle Holdman, along with the artists of the Holdman Studio, completed a twenty-by-seven-foot, five-panel stained-glass window depicting the life and mission of Jesus Christ. After its permanent installation in Rome, Italy, Tom and Gayle were concerned that there would be people who might never see this particular work. To remedy the problem they envisioned a new, expanded window that could be exhibited worldwide. 

They created a nine-panel, stained-glass window that includes the rest of the New Testament stories of the life and mission of Jesus Christ. It was first unveiled in Paris, France, in 2023, then traveled to London, England, in 2024. 

This gorgeous book details both the process of making this monumental artwork as well as highlights its fine details. The reader can follow the 180 individual images along a path through the Savior’s life, from His Nativity to His death and Resurrection. Brief commentaries for each element elaborate on the symbolism behind the image, from a shaft of light representing the creation of the world to a dove as the Holy Spirit. The text also touches on the history of the person being portrayed, including Peter, James, Philip, and the woman at the well. Some of Jesus’s most familiar teachings and parables are represented, reminding us of the blessings behind the ＂widow’s mite＂ and the ＂Good Samaritan.＂ Christians and art lovers alike will enjoy this monumental visual tribute to the life and mission of Jesus Christ.

Due to a lifelong speech impediment, Tom Holdman expresses his light best through art. He started ＂speaking＂ through glass at the age of fourteen by creating stained glass windows out of his parents’ garage. Forty years later, he leads a team of more than 150 artists with his wife, Gayle. He has collaborated with thousands of artists in all fifty states and more than one hundred countries. He is building the visionary Sphere of Light to show the light within humanity.

Gayle Holdman is an award-winning author and designer, an international public speaker, and devoted mother to four children. She is co-owner of Holdman Studios with her husband, Tom, where they illuminate messages of God’s love and light through stained glass. Gayle has a bachelor’s degree in family science and human development and is certified in applied positive psychology.